The Antigua Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is reiterating their call for residents to renew their voters ID cards.

It’s been almost a year since ABEC launched the card renewal drive but according to Elisa Graham, ABEC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), the turnout is way below the benchmark.

“Currently, we have on the books approximately 16,600 persons out of an estimated 40,000 persons whose cards are expired. Of course, we do understand that some persons, unfortunately, may have passed on. Some persons may have traveled. Some persons are studying. So, we are taking this opportunity, especially since we are looking to welcome back home persons coming home for summer. 

“If you have not yet replaced your expired voters ID card, now is the time to do so. Currently, we have actually improved tremendously where our services are concerned and I’m very happy to say this. We are now printing cards every week before, when we first started, we were telling persons to come in two to three weeks. Right now, cards are being printed every week. Our registration officers are currently in the process of calling persons to come and collect their cards.

“So definitely, definitely, definitely, persons, come on out, replace your expired voters ID card. You never know. You never know,” Graham implored.

The Commission emphasizes that the Voter’s Identification Card is a key document that confirms the eligibility to vote.

A valid Voter’s ID Card is crucial, not only for participating in elections but also for various transactions that require official identification at businesses and government departments.

The Commission has made the replacement of the Voter’s ID cards accessible and as simple as possible, taking no more than seven minutes per person.

 Registration Units across the state are open and ready to serve with teams that remain committed to assisting every eligible voter in updating their demographics.

The Expired Voter’s ID Card Replacement Programme began on August 12th 2024 in all 17 constituencies.

As part of the process, eligible voters are asked to walk with their expired Voter’s ID card, a valid government issued ID, a proof of address and any documents updating their marital status. Cards will be updated with a new photo, signature, validated with fingerprints and will be available from the same Registration Unit within three weeks of an application.